The Introvert Lifestyle: Five Reasons Why Introverting is Awesome

Studies have shown that people with extraverted personalities are happier. I say that's a load of bollocks. First, that statistic suggests that extraverts somehow lead better lives. What's more, it suggests that, in order to be happy, introverts should lead extraverted lives.

My theory is this: extraverts are, on the whole, happier because they live in extravert-oriented societies (which is where these studies were conducted). Introverts are naturally less happy as they are forced to conform to a society not best suited for them. In short, introverts are unhappy because they are TRYING to be extraverts.

I say we introverts should stand up to the tyranny of extraverted society and fight for the right to be introverted. Being an introvert has manifold advantages. Heck, if everyone knew just how awesome introversion can be, the whole world would be introverting!

Well, a good step in the right direction always starts with education. Here are the five biggest advantages to living an introverted lifestyle.

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1. Introverts Get Things Done

Guess what people do when they're not socializing. Any ideas?That's right! They're getting things done!

Introverts are excellent at getting work done. Unlike extraverts, they do not require collaboration to stay on task, and can therefore get things done more efficiently. Also, because they are less likely to spend time going out, socializing, attending parties, and the like, introverts are more likely to devote time to learning a new skill, completing a project, or indulging in a cool hobby. It is these types of side projects that can make a career- or even a legacy.

2. Introverts are Efficient

Aside from getting things done, introverts manage all sorts of tasks with great efficiency.

Why? When introverts do things, they often do them alone, and when one behaves unilaterally, one is not bogged down with the time consuming task of building consensus and getting approval on each and every little decision.

When an introvert wants to pick out an outfit, an introvert picks out an outfit. When an introvert decides what to watch on TV, an introvert picks something to watch. Extraverts can be just as efficient, but chances are they have fewer opportunity to exercise such efficiency as they spend so much more time with others.

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3. Introverts are Healthier

As they do tend to spend a bit less time around others, introverts are also less likely to get sick. It is a simple matter of exposure.

Even when they are exposed to various viruses and diseases, introverts have an advantage when it comes to fighting such sicknesses off as they are less likely to be taxing their immune systems staying up late with buddies or going out with friends.

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4. Introverts are Better at Internal Processing

A 1999 study on introversion vs. extraversion found that introverts have a higher flow of blood to their anterior thalamus and frontal lobes of their brains. Both areas are used for internal processing tasks, like problem solving and planning. This should help explain why introverts have been found to perform better in studies.

Extraverts, in turn, were found to have more blood flow in parts of their brains that are involved in emotional and sensory experience. Now, I don't know about you, but I would much rather be good at working out problems with my noggin than being emotional. :D

5. Introverts are More Independent

Because introverts to not depend on social activity to recharge their batteries, they are less dependent on others.

The freedom afforded by not requiring the constant company of others is incredibly powerful. It allows one to not only be more flexible and mobile, but to also have an easier time finding contentment.

BONUS: Great realtionships

Why not wrap up this list with a bonus point about socializing (yeah, extraverts thought they cornered the market on this one. WRONG!).

While introverts tend to have fewer total friends and are no as good at socializing with large groups, introverts are particularly good with one-on-one conversations and develop lasting, long term relationships. They say that quality beats out quantity, so it looks like introverts win on the social front as well.

What is your favorite thing about living an introverted lifestyle? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Comments

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jkadams123 3 years ago

A problem that I rarely see raised is extroverts seem to define happiness and feel they can set the measure of happiness.

Hertima 3 years ago

No one is 100% introvert, 100% errtavext. Many of us are ambiverts. But for the most part we lean one way or the other. I really love this line Deb It's definitely true because people will always feel both need to be alone and be with others. Like you, I'm an introvert and I'm perfectly happy doing many things by myself. And this is the reason why I feel really fulfilled as a home-based/online worker.Shelon recently posted..

meloncauli 5 years agofrom UK

I wish I was an introvert now ! Good hub.

Ikechi Awazie 5 years agofrom Lagos, Nigeria

Nice hub. I am an introvert too. Your hub reminds us of our uniquesness in the society

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Simone Haruko Smith 5 years agofrom San Francisco

As do I, melodysnotes! It's good that you still get out there and respect your kids need to socialize- and be alone. Sounds like you're a great mother, and an awesome introvert to boot!

melodysnotes 5 years agofrom Summerville, South Carolina

I love being an introvert. I have a million hobbies and I truly enjoy my own company. I have a few select, close friends, but large groups freak me out. And, unlike most of the friends I have, I really enjoy just being alone with my kids and I don't feel the need to go out to be around others. After they go to bed, I get an hour or two of solo time and I'm good!

I expand my horizons frequently, though, to make sure my extroverted daughters get plenty of social interaction. I have found my son to be much like myself and I encourage him to be proud of who he is. I really like this hub!

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Simone Haruko Smith 6 years agofrom San Francisco

Right you are, Ebower! And those characteristics can be quite excellent!

It's the best when me and my girl just chill together in our own world. Hubbing, playing video games, listening to music, and a ton of other geeky stuff. I love my little tech world and my Queen that resides within. Voted up/awesome.

Erin Bower 6 years agofrom Georgia

Some people might call introverts shy, but this might not be the case. Some introverted people only talk when a response is important or crucial to say instead of just saying something because it's expected of them in a social setting. Also, introverts are more observing then reacting to situations or people. I'm an introvert myself. I used to be more on the shy side, but now I'm just one that likes to think and reflect on things instead of being the 'loud one', the 'life of the party', or the 'social butterfly'.

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Simone Haruko Smith 6 years agofrom San Francisco

That's quite true, Kosmo! And you're so right about the importance of still getting out every now and then, despite one's introversion. One must still try new things and meet new people, no matter what!

Kelley 6 years agofrom California

I dare say that most hubbers are introverts, because most writers appear to be such things. You almost have to be one to succeed at such a lonely endeavor. Anyway, the key to being a good introvert is to not spend too much time in introspection. One must live as well and go to parties every once in awhile. Later!

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Simone Haruko Smith 6 years agofrom San Francisco

Wow, what a change in lifestyle! That's fascinating. It sounds like you're able to get the best of both introverted and extroverted lifestyles!

veronamex 6 years agofrom Montreal, QC

I was an actress 10 years ago, turned painter since...I went from a life of being an extrovert to a life of an introvert. It was the norm to be amidst lots of people and feel at ease and able to express myself, but now being more of an introvert I find I really enjoy being in my own company and am able to access different depths within myself.

Appreciate the hub...it sheds some light on details that are refreshing to remember. Thank you!!

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Simone Haruko Smith 6 years agofrom San Francisco

That's awesome. Yeah, introverts can be very outgoing with groups of people and friends; all they need is some alone time to recharge their batteries!

FloraBreenRobison 6 years ago

I am overall an introvert, although I tend to be extroverted when I around people who love the same things I do, such as singing in a choir.

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Simone Haruko Smith 6 years agofrom San Francisco

Wow, gmwilliams- I'm feeling better about the introverted population than ever! I so agree- introverts deserve more appreciation. I think things are getting better for us though, bit by bit, as the general population is developing a better understanding of what it actually means to be an introvert. :D

Grace Marguerite Williams 6 years agofrom the Greatest City In The World-New York City, New York

Amen! I am an introvert and proud of it. I love my own company and am not clingy needing people to hang around with unlike my extroverted relatives. I can easily entertain myself for hours on end. I march to my own drummer and am not affiliated with any group. I can think outside the box. Introverts are also smarter than extroverts. Studies show that 70% of gifted children are introverts. This is so true.

It is about time (this is the 21st century) that introverts are appreciated for who they are. We are not misdiagnosed extroverts. We are not antisocial nor withdrawn. We love to be left alone to do our thing!

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Simone Haruko Smith 6 years agofrom San Francisco

Oh, excellent point, cheerfulnuts! I have gotten some of the best advice ever from introverted people. Thanks for reading!

cheerfulnuts 6 years agofrom Manila, Philippines

Thanks Simone for writing this hub! It feels wonderful to read something like this. To answer your question, what I like most about introverts is that they are good listeners and most of them are excellent at giving advice.

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Simone Haruko Smith 6 years agofrom San Francisco

Oh, there are definitely good benefits of being an introvert! Thanks for reading, Rose West and flaming_geyser :D

flaming_geyser 6 years ago

I loved this Hub. I totally agree!

Rose West 6 years agofrom Michigan

I knew there had to be good reasons for being an introvert :) Loved this hub!

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Simone Haruko Smith 6 years agofrom San Francisco

Thanks for stopping by, everyone! It's always fun to see introverts represent!! And you make excellent points, loveSpaces, Stephanie Henkel, and Jenn Johnson. I'm with you all the way! And you're right, novascotiamiss. We need to learn to be happy with who we are. And wow, kimh039- I did not know that about Carl Jung! How interesting! And you're so right, David Warren. Introverts do many for excellent employees. :D

David Warren 6 years agofrom Nevada

From a professional view, always hire the introvert. We don't need supervision and are always the most productive employees. I'm too introverted to extrovert and answer your question at the present time. Great hub though!

Kim Harris 6 years ago

Love it, Simone. I remember reading Carl Jung's autobiography where he described that at different times in his life he was introverted and at other times extroverted. He called these his No 1 and No 2 personalities, and described how they were both helpful for different reasons. It was very validating, as is your hub. Thanks:)

novascotiamiss 6 years agofrom Nova Scotia, Canada

Great hub, Simone. I am sure it will help many introverts to develop a healthier self esteem and to be proud of themselves. Unfortunately in the business world extroverts are more successful. People who can talk to crowds are more popular and come across as born leaders. What is mostly overlooked is that they can be pretty shallow, dense and superficial. One good example was the movie "Up in the Air" with George Clooney. Your hub is the proof that introverts are high quality employees, hopefully many HR managers will take note of that. Being an extrovert like myself has got it's downsides. I continuously have to watch myself sticking my nose into everything, getting involved in things that don't concern me or trying to give advice to people who don't really want it. Sometimes I wish I were a bit more introvert, but then we are who we are and we should be happy that way.

Alfreta Sailor 6 years agofrom Southern California

Simone, you make a good case for introverts. I think I am an extrovert, however some of the characteristics of an introvert, you mentioned, I can identify with. Anyway, this is a very good hub. Voted up/useful!

sagebrush_mama 6 years agofrom The Shadow of Death Valley...Snow Covered Mountain Views Abound!

This is the club for me! Good hub!

Jenn Johnson 6 years agofrom Raleigh, NC

As an introvert, I totally agree! Society should start valuing us more, especially in the workplace. We bring less drama and gossip to our workplace, we are more productive, and we can function independently. Isn't that a perfect worker? :)

Stephanie Henkel 6 years agofrom USA

It seems that introverts are well suited to be writers as they enjoy jobs that require study, research and, in general, working alone. I really enjoyed this hub, especially since it said such nice things about me. :) Nice job!

anglnwu 6 years ago

You know, as an introvert (born that way, not by choice), I've to say I agree with everything you say. Extroverts should get off our case and see how very reliable and independent we are. And we don't need validation either. We validate ourselves daily and we don't make a noise about it. Love the read and rated up.

vwriter 6 years agofrom US

What a great way to look at an introvert. Which, of course, I have to include myself. :) Great Hub.

loveSpaces 6 years ago

Thanks for this nice perspective. As an introvert myself - I appreciate it. And I think we all have both sides but in different percent. How we act also depends on the environment: as Peter Dickinson said: "an introvert in real life but an extrovert in cyberspace".

Gypsy Jane 6 years agofrom Florida

We introverts are also, in my opinion, much better "listeners" than our extroverted friends, since we don't always have to be the center of attention in social settings and we don't feel the need to always be entertaining the crowd with our own stories.

Garrett Mickley 6 years agofrom Jupiter, Florida

This definitely describes me.

Peter Dickinson 6 years agofrom South East Asia

Thank you for this. Never really thought about it before. I guess I am an introvert in real life but an extrovert in cyberspace. I do have my extrovert evenings though.

Brenda Barnes 6 years agofrom America-Broken But Still Beautiful

Introverts are intelligent. We read and study more. While the extrovert is out socializing, the introvert is researching and studying. Oh heck, we are just more adorable in every way!

Alexander Pease 6 years agofrom Maine

I myself am an introvert. I agree with what you said. I definitely feel that by being an introvert I am more independent. I have no one else's thoughts to muck up my think processes.

heart4theword 6 years agofrom hub

This hub was so re-assuring for people who are introverted! Always had a feeling that being introverted was a negative thing? So nice to see the positive qualities of introversion:). Awesome informational hub!